China--[Gotteland, Claude, S.J., and others]

first edition, 2 volumes, 4to (266 x 206mm.), lithographed titles and text, hand-coloured lithographed costume plate in vol.1 (at p.53), 8pp. lithographed letter tipped in volume 1 (at p.332; an extract from a letter by Gotteland), contemporary calf-backed marbled boards, flat spines gilt, edges bumped, spines somewhat rubbed and chipped

Bib. Resid. Bitur. S.J., (possibly Bourges, France), small printed Jesuit library label on titles

Cordier, Sinica, I, 1011-1014 (including a complete list of the letters in the first four volumes)

Condition is described in the main body of the cataloguing, where appropriate.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

These two volumes contain 132 letters relating to the new Jesuit mission to China, which began in 1841, following the re-establishment of the Society of Jesus in 1814. The first group of these missionaries to China were the Savoyard Claude Gotteland (1803-1856), together with two Frenchmen Benjamin Brueyre (or Bruyère, 1810-1880) and François Estève (1807-1848), who were soon joined by others. A list of the missionaries appears at the end of volume 1. Four further volumes of letters were published up to the year 1868. all volumes are rare.